Compressor-controlling mechanism



July 31, 1928. 1,679,133

L. A. MAXSON COMPRESSOR CONTROLLING MECHANI SM Filed Jan. 922

Patented July 31, 1928.

Levant MACHINERY. COMPANY, a CORPORATION on MASSACHUSETTS,

coMPnEssoR-coNraoLLrN MECHANISM,

Application filed January 6, 1922. Serial N o. 52?,5141;

My invention relates to compressor controlling mechanisms.

An object of. my. invention is to provide an improved compressor controlling mechanism. Another objectot my inventioiiis to provide an improved compressor controlling mechanism. which will provide a. very quick reloading'oi the compresso-r'when reloading is necessary. Other objects and ad- 1 vantages of my invention will hereinafter more fully appear.

In the accompanying drawings I have shown for purposes of illustration one to-rn'i which my invention may assume in prac ti ce. I i

In these. drawings,-

Fig. 1' is a view-mainly in side elevation, but with parts brokena-way to a central vertical plane, of a compressor system with which my improved unloading mechanism may cooperate. V

Fig. 2 is acentral vertical section through the illustrative. embodiment of my improved controlling mechanism. I

For purposes of illustration I have shown the illustrative embodiment of my improved compressor mechanism employed in conjunction with a compressor 1 having a cylinder 2 within which a piston 3 is reciprocable and have shown this compressor as provided with the usual inlet valves 4 which are normally held yiel'dingly down by springs 5, but which may be positively opened by air operated plunger-s 6 and maintained open when it is desired. to unload the compressor. Air is discharged through any suitable dis charge valve mechanism, herein shown in elevation at 7 and by way of a pipe 8 to a receiver 9 For the purpose of controlling the movements of the unloading pistons 6 I have shown the illustrative embodiment of my improved controlling mechanism which is shown in elevation in Fig. 1 at 10, and communicating by way of a. passage 11 with branch passages 12 leading to the lower sides of the pistons or-plungers 6 and communicat ing with the receiver by way ofa passage 13.

In the form chosen for illustration herein my improved controlling mechanism comprises a casing 15 made in two parts 16 and 17 and forming between the parts a diaphragm chamber 18. A diaphragm 19 issecurely clamped between the parts 16 and 17. Herein I have shown apassage 20 extending from the side of the diaphragm 19 which is subjectedby way of a pipe 13fto-receiver; pressure to a bore '21 formed in the portion 16 of the casing 15. Within the here there is reciprocable a piston valve22comprising spaced heads 23 and 24 connected'by a re duced portion 25(This; pistonvalve controls the communication ofthe passage 20, which will be noted to terminatein a. groove- 26 extending around the internal periphery of the bore 21, with the pipe 1 1 leading to the unloading mechanism per; and'also the valve 22 controls the communication ofthe pipe 11 with an exhaust port'2 7'and'" with a bypass passage 28 leading from ail-"adjacent point to a space 29 behind the piston '22; A check valve'3'0 suit-ablylo'adedby mean 0t spring 31' controls the passage '28. A spring 82 and an adjustable follower 33f tend to provide adjustable re istance to the force ex rted by the "diaphragm 19" so that thepressure atwhich the device may operate may be adjusted. A minute vent port 34 traverses the follower 33'. It Wi lh benoted that the exhaust port 27 'is triangular in out line and that almost simultaneously with the opening of the port'28 by the head 23 of the piston valve the ezchaust port 27 will begin to be opened and that asthe valve22 moves toward the right in Fig. 2 the exhaust area o-fthe port 27 willb'e'very rapidly increased. i I

The mode of operation of'this mechanism will be readilyapparentl' In the position of the ports shown in Fig. 2 the receiver pressure may be assumed. to be gradually falling as airis used from the receiverand accord ingly the piston 22 is moved toward the right under pressure of the spring 29 as the re ceiver pressure acting on the diaphragm falls. lVhc'n the valve has moved sufficiently 9 far to the right to tlIlCOVQT-tll} mouth of the portQS, the 'pressurewhich has been retaining the'inlet valves open will flow past the valve 30 to the space 29 and acting upon the end of the head 24 will reinforce the spring '32'and force the'valve 22 'sharp'lyto the right, thereby causing theexhaustport 27 asit opens to be openedsharply and fora material'distance. The fluid that goes past the ball valve 30 will escape throughport 34 to the atmosphere and then'leaive the mechanism' under theco'mbined control "of the spring 32'. and the "receiver pressure acting upon the diaphragm;

From. the foregoing description of my iniproved mechanism and its mode of opera tion, it will be clearly apparent that I have provided means which will etlecta very prompt and sharp loading of the compressor when the time comes to reload it and accordingly the operation of the machine will be improved and hammering of the valves prevented. It will be understood that this device is also applicable to intake closure type unloading mechanisms and that with them it may be of quite as great advantage for, by reason of the fact that the intake valve will be allowed to open sharply, there will be no tendencyto draw in partial charges oi air and compress them from relatively low vacuum to full discharge pressure and thereby generate considerable heat.

WVhile I have in this application specifically described one term which my invention may assume in practice, it will be understood that this form of the same is shown for purposes of illustration and that the invention may be modified and embodied in various other forms without-departing from its spirit or the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patentis:

1. In a compressor controlling mec ianism, a member movable in opposite directions re spectively to eflect loading and unloading of a compressor, compressor discharge pressure controlled means for moving it in one direction, and means adapted to be supplied with pressure fluid for accelerating a portion of one of its movements, said supply being cut oil during the whole of the other movement.

2. In a compressor controlling mechanism, a controller member movable in opposite directions respectively to eilect loading and unloading of a compressor, means for moving it in. one direction including a diaphragm adapted to be subjected to compressor dis charge pressure, and means for accelerating a portion of the movement thereof whicheffects loading whereby reloading will be sharply effected comprising means for adding a force to accelerate such movement.

3. In a compressor controlling mechanism, a valve operative in opposite positions to cause loading and unloading of a compressor, means for normally moving the same to compressor loading position, compressor d charge pressure controlled means tor moving the same to compresr-sor unloading position, and supplen'iental means adapted to be supplied with pressure fluid for accelerating a portion of one of said movements, said supply being cut oit during the other ofsaid movements. 1

4. In a compressor controlling mechanism, a valve operative in opposite positions to cause loading and unloading of a compressor, means for normally moving the same to compressor loading position, compressor discharge pressure controlled meanst'or moving the same to compressor unloading position, and supplemental means for accelerating the movement of said valve to cause reloading totake place sharply.

5. In a compressor controlling mechanism, a controller member movable in opposite directions to effect loading and unloading of a compressor respectively, means for effecting movement thereof in one dir ct-ion including a diaphragm adapted to be subjected to compressor discharge pressure, and means operated by fluid pressure to accelerate, the movement of said member in the opposite direction. l a

6. In a compressor controlling mechanism, a valve movable in opposite directions'to cause loading and unloading of a com presso-r, means for moving said valve to unload the compressor including a diaphragm adapted to be subjected to compressor dis charge pressure, means for moving said valve in the opposite direction when compressor discharge pressure falls, and fluid pressure means for accelerating the latter movement of said valve.

7. In a compressor controlling mechanism, a valve movable in opposite directions to cause loading and unloading of the compressor, means for moving said valve to unload a compressor controlled by compressor discharge pressure, means. for moving said valve in the opposite direction when compressor discharge pressure falls, and fluid pressure means for accelerating the latter movement of said valve efl ective only during such movement thereof.

8. In a compressor controlling mechanism, a fluid pressure controlled element operative on the supply of fluid pressure thereto to unload a compressor, a casing, a valve in said casing, connections with said element. with the atmosphere, and with a source of pressure communicating with said casing, said valve controlling the communication ot said second and third connections with said first mentioned connection, means governed by compressor discharge pressure for ettecting movement of said valve to connect said first and third mentioned connections, means resisting said first mentioned means and operative to move said valve to connect said first and second mentioned connections on a drop in compressor discharge pressure, and means controlled by movement of said valve for positively accelerating said last men tioned movement.

'9. In a compressor controlling mechanism, a fluid pressure controlled element operative on the supply of fluid pressure thereto to unload a compressor, a casing, a valve in said casing, connections with said element, with the atmosphere, and with a source of pressure communicating with said casing, said valve controlling the communication of said second and third connections with said first mentioned connection, means governed by compressor discharge pressure for effectingmovement of'said valve to connect said first and third mentioned connections, means resisting said first mentioned means and p erative to move said valve to connect said first and second mentionedconnections on a drop in compressor discharge pressure, means associatedwith said valve and opera tive when subjected to fluid pressure to ad celerate said last mentioned movement of said valve, and means controlled by said valve for conducting fluid pressure'to said last mentioned means.

10. In a compressor controlling mechanism, a fluid pressure controlledelement operative on the supply of fluid pressure theretoto unload acompressor, a casing, a valve in said casing, connections with said element, with the atmosphere, and with a source of pressure communicatingwith said casing, said valve controlling the communication of said second. and third connections with said first mentioned connection, means governed by compressor discharge pressure for effecting movement of said valve to connect said first and third mentioned connectionsymeans resisting said first mentioned means and operative to move said valve to connect said first and second mentioned connections on a drop in compressor discharge pressure, means associated with said valve and operative When subjected to fluid pressure to accelerate said last mentioned movement of said valve, and means controlled by said valve for conducting fluid pressure to said last mentioned means, but preventing escape of fluid therefrom.

11. A compressor controlling mechanism comprising a controlling'valve having'fluid supply and exhaust functions on opposite movements thereof and adapted to control.

a passage communicating with compressor unloading means, means including a surface transverse to the movement of said valve adapted to be subjected to fluid pressure to efliect movement of said valve to eflect its fluid supply function, and means for controlling the opposite movement of said valve including a transverse surface and a passage for conducting fluid to the same, said passage being closed during fluid supply and being opened previous to exhaust.

12. A compressor controlling mechanism comprising a member having a' passage flow through which controls the operations of the compressor and a movable controlling member controlling on movement in opposite directions flow in opposite directions through said passage, means including a surface trans erse'to the movement of said .member and means for subjecting said surface to a fluid at a pressure above atmospheric to cite-ct IIIOYQHiGl'liI or" said controlling member to'cfi ect one of said flow functions, and

means including. a transverse surface and means for subjecting the same to fluid flowing through said passage during th'e'op'posite function thereby to control the opposite movement of said memli'er. 1

12 9. A compressor controlling mechanism comprising a'member having a passage flow through which controls the operations of the compressor and a movable controlling member controlling on movement in opposite'dt rections'flow' in opposite directions through said passage, means including a surface transverse to the movement of said member and means tor subjecting said surface to a fluid pressure to eflect movement of said controlling member to efl'ect one otsaid flow functions, and meansincluding an opposite transversesurface and means for subjecting the. same to fluid flowing through said passage during the opposite function thereby to expedite the opposite movement of said member. 7 i

145. A compressor controlling mechanism comprising: a valve movable in opposite directions, means including a diaphragm adapted to be subject-ed to compressor discharge pressui 'e and operative on a-predetermined variation in compressor discharge pressure for actuating said valve in one direction to permit fluid undenpi essure to pass, and means operative on another predetermined: variation in compressor discharge pressure to permit fluid, to exert for a limited perio'da force tending to move said valve in an opposite direction.

15. A compressor controlling mechanism comprising a member having a passage flow through which controls the operations of a compressor, and a valve movement of which in opposite directions controls flow in oppo site directionsthrough said passage, means for actuating. the valve in one direction whereby fluid under pressure is permitted to pass, and means for applying fluid passed to the valve in its movement in the opposite direction, such application continuing into the time when return flow through said passage takes place. 7

16; A compressor controlling mechanism comprising. a member having apassage flow througn which controls the operations of a compressor and a valve movement of which in opposite directions controls flow in opposite directions to said passage, means for actuating the valve in one direction whereby fluid under pressure is permittted to pass including a diaphragm adapted to be subjected to compressor discharge pressure, and means for applying fluid passed to the valve in its movement in the opposite direction, such application continuinminto the time when. return flow through said passage takes place. j i i 17. A "compressor 1 controlling mechanism comprising a" valve Whose'movement's inopposite dir ctions control loading and unloading, actuating means therefor adapted to be subjected to fluid pressure to move the same, means whereby said movement allows flow of said fluid relative thereto, and a passage adapted to be uncovered by said valve whereby to conduct the fluid which flows relative to said valve to an opposedside thereof to control movement of the same.

18. A compressor controlling mechanism comprising a valve member having an annula-r space adapted constantly to communicate with an unloading device to be controlled by fluid pressure, fluid pressure responsive means for acting upon one end of said valve, a passage through which said annular space may be filled with fluid under pressure substantially equal to said actuating pressure, means for exhausting fluid from. said space, and means for imparting a controlling force to said valve, said means continuing to operate after the exhausting of fluid begins.

19. A compressor controlling mechanism comprising a movable valve member having apassage therein, means providing a valve controlling passage, inlet and outlet fluid passages and an exhaust passage, said outlet passage adapted for connection with the compressor unloading mechanism, means whereby said valve passage is adapted to allow communication between said inletand outlet passages and between said outlet and exhaust passage,'and means whereby said valve controlling passage is operative to transmit fluid prior to complete opening of said exhaust passage.

20. A compressor controlling mechanism comprising a member adapted to effect a compressor controlling function, yieldable means for moving the same, and valve controlled means for subjecting said member to a fluid pressure actuating force in the same direction as exerted by said spring, said valve being adapted to cause said pressure to be exerted only when said compressor controlling function is reversed.

21. A compressor controlling mechanism comprising a spring actuated member, means for subjecting the same constantly to compressor discharge pressure in a direct-ion opposed to the action of the spring and intermittently when compressor discharge pressure falls below a predetermined value to pressure acting in the same direction as that in which the spring acts, and means providing a constantly open atmospheric lea-k for fluid so intermittently acting.

22. A compressor controlling mechanism comprising a casing having disposed therein a fluid pressure actuated element adapted to control a compressor function, and a spring adapted to act on said element, a device mounted in said casing and adapted to adjust the tension of said spring, and pres sure fluid connections to said spring chamber whereby to supplement the action of the spring upon said element.

' 23. A compressor controlling mechanism comprising a casing having disposed therein a fluid pressure actuated element adapted to control a compressor function and a spring adapted to act on said element, a device mounted in said casing and adapted to adjust the tension of said spring, and pressure fluid connections to said spring chamber whereby to supplement the action of the spring upon said element, and a vent extending through said device mounted in said casing.

24. In a compressor controlling mechanism, a valve movable from a median position to effect unloading of a compressor, means responsive to compressor discharge pressure to effect such movement upon increase in pressure beyond a predetermined point, means tending to move the valve in the opposite direction past its median position to effect unloading, and means for accelerating a portion of the latter movement.

25. In a device for controlling fluid pressure operated mechanism, a valve casing providing a valve chamber, a port leading to the mechanism to be controlled and a discharge port, said discharge port being so shaped that flow therethrough increases at a rate greater than the product of the initial width of the port multiplied by the distance it is uncovered, and a plunger valve movable in opposite directions in said chamber for controlling said ports, said valve casing pro viding a further passage controlled by said valve for supplying fluid under pressure against a surface tending to move said valve so as to open communication between said ports, the application of fluid to the said surface continuing into the time when flow through said discharge port takes place. 7

26. In a device for controlling fluid pressure operated mechanism, a valve casing providing a valve chamber, a port leading to the mechanism to be controlled, a supply port and a discharge port, said discharge port being so shaped that flow therethrough increases at a rate greater than the product of the initial width of the port multiplied by the distance it is uncovered. a plunger valve movable in opposite directions in said chamber for controlling said ports, means for actuating said valve in one direction whereby fluid under pressure is permitted to pass from the supply port to the port leading to the mechanism to be controlled, and means for actuating the valve in the opposite direction whereby the port leading to the mechanism to be controlled is connected to the discharge port, said valve casing providing a passage controlled by said valve and adapted to supply fluid under pressure against a surface tending to move said valve in the second mentioned d rection, the epplication of fluid to the said surface continuing into the time when flow through said discharge port takes place. 1

27. A compressor controlling mechanism comprising a Valve movable in opposite directions to effect different compressor controlling functions, a fluid pressure motor continuously supplied With fluid under compressor discharge pressure for actuating said valve in one direction to permit fluid under pressure to pass, and a pressure re sponsive device operative at a predetermined value of said discharge pressure to supply fluid under pressure against a surface tendin; to move said valve in the opposite direction.

' 28. A compressor controlling mechanism comprising a valve casing providing a valve chamber, a plunger valve movable in opposite directions in said chamber, yielding 'means for biasing said valve in one direcagainst a surface tending to move said plunger valve in the direction inwhich it is biased by said yielding means.

adapted to supply fluid under pressure In testimony WliereofI aiiix my signature.

Louis A. MAXsoN. 

